How-To

To create the portrait card base I cut the kraft cardstock, widthwise, at 4¼” and folded at 5½”. I used Martha Stewart’s scoring board with a stylus but it isn’t necessary, just helpful.

Next I took the large detail rose stamp from Papertrey Ink’s set and repeatedly stamped it with the versamark ink, starting from the bottom left and making my way up.

Then I covered the stamped images with clear embossing powder and set it with a heat tool.

To create the accent flowers I used the three-steps stamps from the set and the matching dies (they went like butter through my ancient Cuttlebug machine). As the dies aren’t see-through I first cut the ivory cardstock and then temporarily adhered the ‘naked’ die-cuts to a scrap paper and stamped, starting from the least detailed stamp with the lightest ink color and moving on to the most detailed stamp with the darkest color.

Then I cut a 1″ strip of the Ivory cardstock and shaped its end into a banner shape, by cutting a slit in the middle and matching up the ends from each edge of the cardstock strip. I adhered it to the card with permanent tape adhesive and stamped the greeting with individual letter stamps (I actually did the stamping after adhering the accents, but this is not recommended…).

Next I adhered the flowers die cuts. I attached the bottoms with regular tape adhesive and the tops with pop dots to add interest.

To finish off the card I added some bling… How can I not, right!?

If you like it –

Back when we were kids creativity came naturally to us. Everything was possible and our prolific imagination was the only limit we knew.
Through the years we have grown apart from our inner creative child and along with that – have lost our pristine and utter joy of creation.

In this e-book I will pave your way back to your inner creative child, brick by brick.

“Unleashing The Creative Child Within You” will explain why you became distant from your core creativity and will reveal the secret to getting it back.

With exercises designed specifically to help you find the inner child within you, regain its confidence and unleash it – you are bound to get your mojo back faster than you think.

A lot of you commented and liked the monochromatic texture on the cover of my most recent travel mini album.

I am a great believer in giving credit where credit is due and in this case the credit belongs to my talented friend, Alexandra.

I was thinking about using a modeling paste with my stencils for a while but didn’t do anything about it UNTIL I saw this AMAZING page and technique highlight by Alexandra on creating your own background with masks. In this tutorial Alexandra created a gorgeous white on white texture using a modeling paste and one of Studio Calico’s masks.

After seeing how striking the result is I had to give it a go too.

Here is how I did it:

Supply

[Click on the image to find the product at Simon Says Stamp]

How-To

Title

Paint raw chipboard letters the same color of your background. Use a few thin layers of paint and let dry completely between layers, rather than slather on a thick layer of paint. Make sure to paint the sides of the letters as well to avoid the raw chipboard’s color peeking through.

Let dry completely. Thin layers get completely dry very quickly.

Adhere to your cover with a strong liquid adhesive that dries clear. Again, use minimal amount of glue. Just dot it a few times rather than applying thick lines of glue to avoid spilling.

Textured Pattern

Affix the template to your background with a repositionable tape, such as painter’s tape or a washi tape.

Mix the modeling paste with acrylic paint to create the same color as your background – skip this step if your are working on a white background.

Apply a layer of the paste-paint mix with a spatula to make sure it spreads evenly on top of the template. Make sure that you apply pressure only vertically so you won’t accidentally push the paint underneath the template and mess up your pattern. If you don’t have a spatula you can use an old credit card or a plastic ID card. I’ve got a lifetime supply of fake credit cards from all the spam mail we receive in our mail box daily…

If you want to create an imperfect pattern, mask off some of the template with the same low-tac tape you used to affix the template. Skip this step if you only wish to mimmic the template, as is.

This is what I call a ‘just because’ mini album.
I didn’t make it for a special occasion.
I didn’t make it to document a specific event or trip or day [although the pictures were all taken at the same time, on a ferry in Alaska].
I just had a crafty date and we decided to make mini albums with mini photos and I happen to really like this goofy set of photos of my husband making faces to protest against me taking pictures of him… The idea for the mini album just presented itself – no matter how my husband is at a certain moment – I always and will always love him.

Individual Layouts & Supply

This is a very minimalistic mini album. The reason is threefold: 1. Because I love minimalism. 2. I didn’t want to use anything chunky on the pages themselves, other than on the cover. 3. We wanted to complete the project in one crafty-date, after a full day of work.

Here I used Crate Paper’s Emma’s Shoppe paper as well as a small mat from My Mind’s Eye Everyday Flair and the same Lily Bee’s letter stickers.

Some more paper from Lily Bee’s ‘Head Over Heels’, a strip of an old Anna Griffin paper tape and letter stickers by Prima.

Same good ol’ Lily Bee’s ‘Head Over Heels’ paper and same good ol’ Lily bee’s letter stickers. Can you see the lame pun?

To spice it up I used Lily Bee’s ‘Head Over Heels’ paper and Prima letter stickers. Just to make it a bit different…

Just kidding.

It’s always quick and easy to use the same collection for a project, that way everything is tied together.

The chipboard I used to make the actual album is by Grafix and the size is just perfect. I cut each sheet in two and it corresponds to a half sheet of patterned paper from a 6″ by 6″ pad or an 1/8th of a 12″ by 12″ sheet of patterned paper. It doesn’t get easier than that…

I try to come up with shapes and styles and then, by trial and error, I create these on photoshop with the shape tools and all the masks and filters Photoshop has to offer.

Then I add other layers with lines, graph paper, patterns and brushes…

Today I wanted to share how I make one of these brushes I am talking about – a doily brush.

The same technique works with any other flat object. Lace trimmings? Why, yes!

So, without further ado:

[Go here to watch on YouTube and while there, please rate, comment and subscribe.]

I hope it was helpful and that you’ve enjoyed my tutorial.

Check out Creativity Prompt’s unique self paced workshop: “Make Your Own Planner”. In this workshop you will make a beautiful handmade planner for 2012. Not only will you get the planner kit for instant download, but you will also get a high resolution video tutorial as well as printable instructions to guide you on each step of the way. Either treat yourself or get it to create wonderful gifts for your family and friends.Join now – for only $12

Back when we were kids creativity came naturally to us. Everything was possible and our prolific imagination was the only limit we knew.
Through the years we have grown apart from our inner creative child and along with that – have lost our pristine and utter joy of creation.

In this e-book I will pave your way back to your inner creative child, brick by brick.

“Unleashing The Creative Child Within You” will explain why you became distant from your core creativity and will reveal the secret to getting it back.

With exercises designed specifically to help you find the inner child within you, regain its confidence and unleash it – you are bound to get your mojo back faster than you think.

Many of you asked how to resize or recolor the printables I am sharing with you.

I have posted a written step-by-step tutorial before, but there’s nothing better than seeing what I actually do – I am a visual learner too…

So I have made a video tutorial for you guys and I hope that answers all your questions.

[Go here to watch on YouTube and while there, please rate, comment and subscribe.]

Check out Creativity Prompt’s unique self paced workshop: “Make Your Own Planner”. In this workshop you will make a beautiful handmade planner for 2012. Not only will you get the planner kit for instant download, but you will also get a high resolution video tutorial as well as printable instructions to guide you on each step of the way. Either treat yourself or get it to create wonderful gifts for your family and friends.Join now – for only $12

Back when we were kids creativity came naturally to us. Everything was possible and our prolific imagination was the only limit we knew.
Through the years we have grown apart from our inner creative child and along with that – have lost our pristine and utter joy of creation.

In this e-book I will pave your way back to your inner creative child, brick by brick.

“Unleashing The Creative Child Within You” will explain why you became distant from your core creativity and will reveal the secret to getting it back.

With exercises designed specifically to help you find the inner child within you, regain its confidence and unleash it – you are bound to get your mojo back faster than you think.

Step by Step Instructions

Start by folding each envelope in half and then cutting the edge of the envelope’s flap, in an angle, at the half point.

This is how your envelope will look like after its flap was cut.

Next, channel your inner seamstress, stack all the envelopes together and sew the spine at the crease line. You can also pierce 2 holes in the spine and tie it by hand with an embroidery floss, or fasten it with a staple. Sewing is the fastest way to assemble the signature, even for me (you will understand that remark shortly).

This is how your envelope stack will look like, if you are a terrible seamstress. Just like me. Who had to put it through the machine several times… I assume you may only be better than I am at that, because I am the worst, ever.

If you have sewing accidents… fix the spine with a layer of strong liquid glue.

Or just secure the pages with a folded piece of patterned paper that you adhere to both pages’ edges.

Now let’s move on to the cover, shall we? Given that you use business envelopes, cut 2 pieces of chipboard at 4½” by 5″ each. If you use any other envelope, just cut the cover a bit larger than the size of half an envelope (because they will be folded in half).

Then Choose your cover fabric. I had this fat quarter collecting dust and just waiting for this project. So I used it. Use any scrap that covers both pieces of chipboard, a spine and then some.

This is the ratio of fabric/ cover. Just so you will get the hang of it. Cut each edge at a triangle and adhere the flaps to the inner part of the cover with strong liquid glue. You can be messy, it will all be concealed momentarily.

Now, attach your sewed signature by applying a generous amount of liquid glue and adhering to the inner part of the cover. Do it one side at a time and be careful of unwanted spills that may ruin your envelope pockets. Because we use envelopes to embrace and utilize their pockets, right? right.

Embellish and place top secrets and cherished memories in the pockets.

Done.

[Are you still with me or were you lost due to the length of this unearthly post? Please comment and tell.]

Check out Creativity Prompt’s self paced workshop: “Capture Your Dream”. In this workshop you will capture, follow and make your dream come true as well as document your journey in a fabulous mixed media mini album.

Check out Creativity Prompt’s new and unique self paced workshop: “Welcome Little One”. This workshop will provide you with everything you need, and then some, to make a fabulous handmade mini album to record the first moments of a new born baby.

This layout is of my 7 year-old niece and her friends playing dress up.

These pictures remind me how every time I put on a costume (Halloween, anyone…) it makes me feel like I am also getting super powers.

By dressing up as a princess I can also call upon the stars and make a wish.

Have you ever felt that way too?

Anyhow, this is why I thought these photos will be perfect to be used in conjunction with Karla Dudley’s newest kit “Wish”. [UPDATE: Karla’s kit is no longer available, but she offers all the digital patterned papers from the kit as a FREE download on her blog.]

Have you made a wish lately?

If not, now is the perfect time to do so.

Just because.

I also wanted to show you how I used the transparent frames that came with the kit, and more precisely – how I fit the photos to the frames.

You can use the same technique to any transparent digital element that you want to use as an overlay.

How To

[Go here to watch on YouTube and while there, please rate, comment and subscribe.]

Check out Creativity Prompt’s new and unique self paced workshop: “Make Your Own Planner”. This workshop will show you how to make a beautiful handmade planner for the year 2012. Not only are you going to get the entire meticulously designed planner kit for instant download, but you will also get a high resolution video tutorial as well as step-by-step instructions to guide you on each step of the way. Either treat yourself with a fresh and creative start for the coming new year, or get it to create wonderful gifts for your family and friends.Join now

Supply

How To

[Go here to watch on YouTube and while there, please rate, comment and subscribe.]

Step by Step Instructions

Measure the width of the tape you’re using and cut paper strips, the same width as the tape.

Prepare the strips by inking them with distress ink (optional) and conditioning them with water. To do that saturate the strips with a couple spritzes of water using a mister. To add some sheen I added 2 tiny scoops of golden perfect pearl medium to the tap water, but that’s optional too. Blot the excess water with paper towels.

When the strips are completely dry, temporarily adhere the masking tape, in the length of your choice, to a non-stick mat.

Apply a layer of Mod Podge to the tape – not too thin and not too thick – and adhere the paper strips to it. Apply more glue, if necessary. Eliminate all air bubbles by applying pressure with your finger on top of the paper strips. Use your finger, as if it was a brayer. Then let it dry – COMPLETELY.

Apply a second, top layer, of Mod Podge. Apply it generously – it will be used as a sealer. Let it dry COMPLETELY.

Remove the excess glue by going over it with your fingers and peel off the tape from the non stick mat. Transfer the tape to a non stick sheet you use in the kitchen. You can also roll them against a round handle (the brush’s handle is perfect for that) to make your own tape-roll.

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Do you work with deco tape? What do you use it for? Please share by leaving a comment.

Check out Creativity Prompt’s new and unique self paced workshop: “Make Your Own Planner”. This workshop will show you how to make a beautiful handmade planner for the year 2012. Not only are you going to get the entire meticulously designed planner kit for instant download, but you will also get a high resolution video tutorial as well as step-by-step instructions to guide you on each step of the way. Either treat yourself with a fresh and creative start for the coming new year, or get it to create wonderful gifts for your family and friends.Join now

It didn’t take me long to come up with another carfty recycling project. After all, making mini books and albums is much more fun then carrying all the empty boxes that arrive each week from Amazon to the recycling bin, isn’t it? (I refuse to admit I have an ACOD – ‘Amazon Compulsive Ordering Disorder’… Plus one of them boxes must be my husband’s me thinks.)

Anyway…

Here is another recycling project I share with you, in which I transform 5 small lunch bags and a small box into a super cute shabby mini album with room for memorabilia, ephemera, photos, hidden journaling and what not.

How-To

[Go here to watch on YouTube and while there, please rate, comment and subscribe.]

Step-By-Step Instructions

Adhere the flap of the lunch bag, inwards, by applying adhesive just to the edges of the flap, so you create a small pocket. Fold in half and repeat with all the bags.

Measure the height and width of the folded bag and cut the cover pieces to the same size out of the box, using a sharp craft knife. Don’t apply pressure on the knife, just use shallow back and forth movements with the knife until the cardboard is separated.

Cover the cover pieces with patterned paper – start by applying a thin but thorough layer of Mod Podge with a foam brush. Adhere the paper onto the cardboard. Flip the piece and cut off the excess paper by using the edges of the cardboard as a straight edge for your craft knife. Lastly, apply a thick layer of Mod Podge to seal it off. Repeat on both sides of both cover pieces.

Cover the inside pages of the lunch bag signatures with patterned paper, make sure you keep the flap pockets opened.

Measure 1 inch above and below the center point of the edge of the cover and mark it. Punch holes through these tick marks and repeat on all pages and the back cover.

Share

I would also be very happy to see your own creations, so don’t be shy and share

Check out Creativity Prompt’s new and unique self paced workshop: “Make Your Own Planner”. This workshop will show you how to make a beautiful handmade planner for the year 2012. Not only are you going to get the entire meticulously designed planner kit for instant download, but you will also get a high resolution video tutorial as well as step-by-step instructions to guide you on each step of the way. Either treat yourself with a fresh and creative start for the coming new year, or get it to create wonderful gifts for your family and friends.Join now

The Story

You know how much I love recycling and turning my trash into treasure so it’s no surprise that I came up with this project after my bathroom got filled with empty boxes of soap.

When Amy from Mod Podge Rocks e-mailed me and asked if I wanted to use some of the Plaid products on my future projects I knew this mini book idea would be perfect for the test run. The funny thing is that just before Amy e-mailed me, I already bought a huge bottle of Mod Podge Gloss for paper just the week before so I had a chance to try out 2 other products that got sent to me by the company: Mod Podge Hard Coat and Mod Podge Sparkle.

I really, really, really loved the Mod Podge Hard Coat. I initially chose it for another project. I accidentally ruined a set of coasters I had and thought the Hard Coat formula will be perfect to restore them. However I used this as a top coat for the mini book and it is amazing. It is a bit thicker than the original formula and it dries clear into a hard coat (just as its name suggests…) that seals the cover and secure the binding of the book. I really recommend this for book makers.

The Sparkle formula has fine glitter in it and it adds a fun glittery top coat to any surface. What i like about it is that it adds the glitter without the mess that usually goes with it… You just need to apply it with a foam brush and the glittery particles doesn’t rub off of it after it dries up.

The recycled mini book can be made out of any box, of any size, so I purposefully left out exact measurement, so you can use the same technique on any empty box that comes your way.

So if you feel like playing along and learn how to make this recycled mini book, keep on reading.

Tools and Supply

This project uses MINIMAL supply, as it’s mostly recycled.

Empty cardstock or chipboard box.

Scraps of paper for the signatures (each insert much be double the width of the cover and the same height)

How To

[Go here to watch on YouTube and while there, please rate, comment and subscribe.]

Step by Step Instructions

Flatten the box by carefully disconnecting the connecting flaps at the bottom and inside the box. You may also use a craft knife for that.

Use your scissors to cut off the flaps, as well as the inner flap and the short edge attached to it, so you are left with 3 sections: 2 cover sections and a spine, already creased for you…

Measure the width and height of the cover sections and the spine and cut pieces of patterned paper at the same size for the cover. If you want to conceal the binding you will need one piece the size of the cover section and the other size larger by the width of the spine plus an additional inch. If you choose to conceal the binding, adhere the outer cover papers at the end.

Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the cover section and the spine, lay the pattern paper on top of it and apply an additional layer of Mod Podge on top to seal it off. Put it aside to dry.

Take a plain copier paper, the same width and height of the spine and mark 3 horizontal lines on it – one at the center and two additional ones, about an inch apart. If you work on a larger box, you may want to add more lines, equally separated from each other.

Next mark equally separated vertical line, each line stands for one signature. I used 5 signatures, so I drew 5 vertical lines, one at the center and the rest in ¼” intervals.

Cut your signature inserts to double the width of the cover section and the same height and fold each signature of paper inserts in half.

Line up the paper guide with the inner crease of the signature and poke holes on the crease next to each of the 3 horizontal lines. these holes will help later with the binding process.

After the inner cover is layered with paper with a base and top coat of Mod Podge and completely dry, line up the paper guide with the inner spine and poke a hole at each of the intersections of the horizontal lines with the vertical lines.

Start binding the signatures together. Take the first one, insert the needle through the center hole and into the center hole of the signature, than to the upper hole and back from the bottom hole, into the center hole to the outer cover – repeat on all the signatures.

Once you finish binding all the signatures together, weave the thread through the center line of threads until it meets the initial loose end and tie them together in a tight knot. Cut the excess thread and tidy up the knot to look as smooth and straight as possible.

Lastly, apply a layer of Mod Podge Top Coat on top of the outer cover and the spine, it will secure the binding as well. You may also apply an additional layer of Sparkle Mod Podge if you want a fun glittery finish to your mini book.

Share

I would also be very happy to see your own creations, so don’t be shy and share

Check out Creativity Prompt’s new and unique self paced workshop: “Make Your Own Planner”. This workshop will show you how to make a beautiful handmade planner for the year 2012. Not only are you going to get the entire meticulously designed planner kit for instant download, but you will also get a high resolution video tutorial as well as step-by-step instructions to guide you on each step of the way. Either treat yourself with a fresh and creative start for the coming new year, or get it to create wonderful gifts for your family and friends.Join now

Check out Creativity Prompt’s self paced workshop: “Capture Your Dream”. In this workshop you will capture, follow and make your dream come true as well as document your journey in a fabulous mixed media mini album.